Police updates on crimes and investigations for 12 December 2023.
Investigation continues following death in Lucas Heights
Waitematā Police investigating the death of a man in Lucas Heights last week are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the man’s death.
Police were called at around 12.30am on Friday 8 December after a member of the public located a man unresponsive on O’Brien Road after being hit by a vehicle. He was unable to be revived.
Police have since identified the driver of the vehicle who is assisting with our enquiries.
‘We have also engaged a number of experts to complete scene and vehicle analysis before any charging decisions are made,’ said Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Nimmo.
‘At this stage Police are not in a position to release the name of the victim.
‘Police would like to thank the members of the community who have already come forward to provide information or footage, but we would still like to speak to anyone travelling on Ridge Road and O’Brien Road in the Coatesville/Lucas Heights area on Thursday evening (7 December) until the following morning who have not already come forward.’
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Police via its 105 phone service or online using Update My Report. Please reference file number 231208/4800.
Additionally, any CCTV or dashcam footage can be uploaded here.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Name Release, Homicide investigation, Whakatāne
A post-mortem is being conducted today on the victim of the homicide in Whakatāne on Sunday, who Police can now name.
He was 27-year-old Tuterangi Moeke of Whakatāne.
Police are continuing to piece together what happened leading up to Tuterangi’s death, while maintaining an increased presence in the Eastern Bay of Plenty area.
‘We understand the recent events have caused a feeling of angst in what is a tight-knit community, and Police want to reassure residents we are working hard to hold anyone responsible to account,’ said Detective Inspector Lew Warner.
Police will be conducting high-visibility reassurance patrols across the region in coming days.
‘We remind people to report any incident in which their safety or that of others is at risk by calling 111 immediately. If it has already happened, please contact 105.’
Anyone who has information on what happened in the lead up to Tuterangi’s death is asked to please contact Police on 105, either by phone or online using ‘Update Report’, referencing file number 231211/5404.
Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
Alleged shoplifter faces theft and firearms charges following arrest
Police have an alleged prolific shoplifter in the bag after a string of offences across Counties Manukau, including one incident involving a firearm.
The 34-year-old man will face court this week on 12 shoplifting charges.
He also faces a charge of presenting a firearm at a person during an alleged incident at a Highland Park supermarket on 6 January 2023.
Locating the man was a top priority for Sergeant Phill Moody’s team in Counties Manukau South.
“The man had been causing great harm to our community throughout the year, and had at least 39 warrants for his arrest,” Sergeant Moody says.
“This man was also being sought by the National Retail Investigation Support Unit.”
A warrant was executed at a Papakura address late last week, and the man was arrested by Police. He was remanded into custody at his initial court appearance for these recent charges.
The 34-year-old male is next due to appear in the Papakura District Court on 14 December.
Police have also summonsed a 37-year-old woman to court on with two counts of shoplifting where she has been jointly charged with the man. She is expected in the Papakura District Court on 4 January 2024.
“We have no tolerance for this offending being committed in our communities, and we will continue to target and hold offenders to account for their actions,” Sergeant Moody says.
Police seek witnesses to Kerikeri assault
Northland Police investigating the assault of two men in Kerikeri are appealing for information to assist them in their enquiries.
The two men, aged 32 and 37, were assaulted at around 6.45pm on Saturday 2 December by a group of people near the skate park toilets on Cobham Road, Kerikeri.
Members of the public assisted in stopping the assault and called emergency services.
One of the victims sustained a concussion and significant bruising to his head, from being kicked.
The offenders fled in a dark-coloured vehicle and parts of the incident were recorded by members of the public.
If anyone has information or cell phone recordings relevant to this incident, can they please contact the Kerikeri Police by phoning 105 or online referencing file number 231203/5144.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Charges laid following Kekerengu fatal crash
A woman is facing three charges following a fatal crash on State Highway 1 in Kekerengu on Friday 8 December.
Two people were transported to Wellington Hospital following the crash, and one person died at the scene.
A 60-year-old woman is due to appear in the Blenheim District Court on Monday 18 December.
She is facing two charges for careless or inconsiderate vehicle operation causing injury, and one charge of careless or inconsiderate vehicle operation causing death.
Characterising Blue Slip and its Impact on the Transport Corridor
https://www.nzgs.org/libraries/characterising-blue-slip-and-its-impact-on-the-transport-corridor/
This is the area just south of the crash site on the rise through the dip that was pictured
Out of interest